Homebuilders West Coast Trust

Te Whanau Kahu O Te Tai Poutini

Laura Coll McLaughlin - Chairperson

Kia ora, I am a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor and resource management consultant with Chris J Coll Surveying Ltd. I live in Westport with my husband and son and enjoy getting out on the farm with them whenever I can.
I returned to Westport in 2008 after studying at the University of Otago. During 2014 and 2015, I was lucky enough to take part in Development West Coast’s Leadership and Governance Programme. I feel very honoured to be on the Homebuilders West Coast Trust Board and hope to put the skills I learned during that programme to good use for my community.
I am an adult literacy and numeracy tutor and have been a lifeguard with Buller Surf Rescue since 2001 and a member of the Call Out Squad since 2009. I am a fairly fervent West Coaster and believe active community involvement and investment is invaluable.

Johnny Smith - Vice Chairperson

Hello my name is Johnny Smith and I am new to the HWCT board, being appointed in June 2016. I have a partner and three children and live and work locally. I grew up in Westport before moving away. I enjoy being back in such a wonderful forward thinking community and was honoured to be asked to sit on the HWCT board. I look forward to the challenge ahead and the opportunity to assist Lorraine and her team in providing such a great service to our district.

Bev Poynter - Secretary

Hello, My name is Bev Poynter and I hold the position of secretary for Homebuilders West Coast Trust. I am married with three adult children and six grandchildren. After I retired from nursing/hospital management at Buller Hospital, I joined Homebuilders “to give something back to the community” as I had spare time on my hands. I fully support and am proud of the services offered by Lorraine and the team at Homebuilders. I mentor a young person through Homebuilders Big Brothers Big Sisters programme.
I am also involved in Buller Country Music Club, Home Hospice and Buller Adult Learning Services.

Eyvonne Diskin - Treasurer

Hello, My name is Eyvonne Diskin. I have enjoyed being part of the Homebuilders team as a board member for the last seven years. I have lived in the area all my life and was born at Waimangaroa. I completed my enrolled nursing at Buller Hospital. I have three married sons who have produced nine grandchildren for me to spend much of my spare time with. I operate my own retail business and spend much of my leisure time tending to my gardens & 700 hazelnut trees. I have a great interest in outdoor pursuits which includes netball, tramping & running. I also endeavour to follow my children’s sports and spend the left over time with my husband Ross.

Eric de Boer

Hi, my name is Eric de Boer. Along with my partner and two young children I call the Buller home. I have been on the West Coast working for the Department of Conservation for more than 15 years. I love the region, its wildness, natural attractions and raising a family here. I grew up in Europe and immigrated from the Netherlands. My home-based values have always been in rural and farming circles.

I am committed to the goals of Homebuilders West Coast Trust. Values of acceptance, fairness, support and guidance in ensuring our community can raise and support West Coast Families and Whanau. I am proud to have been asked to join the board of Homebuilders West Coast and look forward to utilising my experience in governance to contribute to board and organisational direction, goals and strategy.

I enjoy my family time, outdoor activities and working in and around my home. I feel positive for the future of the West Coast and am a passionate advocate to ensure we have an enduring and strong region.

I believe in the well-known proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child”

Joey Keen

Hello, I am Joey Keen and am one of the newest members of the Homebuilders Board joining in June 2018. I moved to Westport 4 years ago with my husband and fell in love with the town and it’s community so won’t be going anywhere. Westport is the perfect place to raise our 1 year old and 3 year old! Having been a teacher for 15 years I have seen first hand how Trusts like Homebuilders positively assist families and children and am a firm believer in what they do. So when the Board position became available I jumped at the chance to join. I am currently out of teaching, working for Jennian Homes as an Administration Manager while my babies are little. I am hoping to add value to the Homebuilders Board from my knowledge of services and families from teaching but also my newly developed ‘business’ hat and look forward to supporting the staff to continue doing the great job they are doing helping West Coast families.